THE LOVE STORY
The ancient story behind Ana Mandara, or “beautiful refuge,” is one of love
and loss, courage and honor, romantic rage and sacrifice. Look around you at
the intricate carvings, ancient pottery, and delicate bamboo, and be
transported to a special time in Vietnam… A time when life was as fragile as
the lotus flower, but also powerfully rich with passion and culture.
The story tells of lovely Princess Huyen-Tran, who lived with her father, King
Tran-Nhan-Ton, in North Vietnam 700 years ago. Her captivating beauty and
endless grace caught the attention of a visiting king from the neighboring
Cham kingdom. The king, Che-Man, asked for her hand in marriage, and the
princess’ father agreed that she would marry in exchange for land. But the
princess was already in love with a general named Tran-Khac-Chung, a
remarkable man of strength and courage. She reluctantly married the king, but
was not welcome in her new home. The king’s first wife, Tapari, was bitterly
jealous and even tried to poison her! Tapari eventually ordered her husband
killed - a selfish, gruesome request, for tradition required the death of all his
wives.
The princess’ family, fearing her fate, sent the courageous general to rescue
her, and the princess and her lover reunited in supreme joy! The two traveled
among the lush islands of South Vietnam and thrived in pure delight, enjoying
the ocean’s splendor and feasting on delectable island foods - seafood,
bamboo, and sweet mangoes. But in this joy, they both knew that they had
broken the law by not returning. After a romantic year, they chose the
honorable road home and left their tropical sanctuary.
The story ends tragically, with the execution of the general, eternally dousing
the passionate flame of the two lovers. The heartbroken princess lived the rest
of her life in sadness at a Buddhist convent, comforted only by the vibrant and
sensual dream of their “Ana Mandara.”
THE CRANE AND THE TURTLE
You may notice the symbols of the crane and turtle around you. In Vietnamese
culture, the turtle and crane each symbolize enduring power and longevity.
The two, standing together, represent a healthy long life of happiness. This is
our wish for you as you visit us at Ana Mandara, our “beautiful refuge.”